any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Satureja, of the mint family, especially S. hortensis(summer savory) or S. montana(winter savory), having narrow leaves used in cookery.
Origin of savory
2
1350–1400;Middle Englishsaverey, perhaps for Old Englishsætherie < Latinsaturēia (whence also Old Englishsaturege,Middle Englishsatureie)
any of numerous aromatic plants of the genus Satureja, esp S. montana (winter savory) and S. hortensis (summer savory), of the Mediterranean region, having narrow leaves and white, pink, or purple flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
the leaves of any of these plants, used as a potherb
Word Origin for savory
C14: probably from Old English sætherie, from Latin saturēia, of obscure origin
"pleasing in taste or smell," c.1200, from Old French savore "tasty, flavorsome" (Modern French savouré), past participle of savourer "to taste" (see savor (n.)).
n.
aromatic mint, late 14c., perhaps an alteration of Old English sæþerie, which is ultimately from Latin satureia "savory (n.)," a foreign word in Latin. But early history of the word suggests transmission via Old French savereie. In either case, the form of the word probably was altered by influence of the Middle English or Old French form of savory (adj.).
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